As much as we love drooling over amazing holiday decor inspiration from the homes of world class designers, one of our favorite parts about Apartment Therapy is the sharing of creative ideas from within our community. Real homes, with real solutions, and in this case, some real festive DIY spirit!

The first is the creative endeavor of reader, Lauren, who crafted her delightful tree out of recycled wood, scraps of copper pipe, and laser cut wooden ornaments. You can check out the process in pictures via her new blog, Tara and Thyme, where she also features a very sweet homemade Advent calender, and beautiful photography. Thanks for sharing Lauren!

The yarn "tree" (picture 3) hails from the home of reader, Jessica, and her housemates who realized that they "were low on space and money, but high in extra yarn, so we made this tree on the wall. Then, at our holiday party, we asked all of our friends to help us decorate it with paper ornaments." We like the idea of the alternative tree, but totally dig the alternative tree trimming party as well! Thanks Jessica!

And tree number three, comes from DIY master, Eric, whom you probably remember from his killer modern sofa project featured back in October. After witnessing his DIY prowess in the sofa project, it comes as no surprise that he'd think "Christmas Tree" when looking at a pile of leftover 2x4s, chain link fence, string, paper, and an old chandelier. To see more, visit his blog, Big [E] Modern.Thank you Eric!

What ideas are you other creative minds whipping up in lieu of the typical holiday fare?